Research

Our Practice supports ethically approved clinical research.

Nethergreen is part of the Yorkshire & Humber Clinical Research Network and works collaboratively with other local practices to assist with research studies.

Our GPs select ethically approved research studies which they think may be of benefit to our patients and the wider NHS. Our doctors then review our records and identify patients which are eligible to take part in the study. We then write out to patients with some information provided by the research body (usually a university), for patients to consider if they would like to take part.

Patients can then choose to contact the researchers directly and elect to take part. The surgery does not pass any patient details to 3rd parties, we identify patients ourselves. There is no obligation to take part, and patients can expect a detailed explanation from the researchers before committing.

All research bodies the network engages with are fully accredited and held to strict governance standards. Most are not for profit, however some pharmaceutical companies sponsor projects which will improve patient care in the NHS.

If you receive a letter inviting you to take part this is because you fit the inclusion criteria for the research study. The list of eligible patients is reviewed by a GP prior to letters being sent to prevent inappropriate invitations. However, if you do receive an invitation and feel it is not appropriate, please contact the surgery.

Below are some examples of research we have undertaken in the last year:

ALLHEART:

A study to see whether taking allopurinol (a drug currently used to treat gout) can improve outcomes for people with ischemic heart disease.

TIME:

A study looking at whether taking blood pressure tablets in the evening is more effective in reducing cardiovascular events than taking them in the morning.

HEAT:

A study to find out whether eradicating helicobacter pylori (a naturally occurring bacteria living in the stomach) reduces the incidence of stomach ulcers in patients taking aspirin.

FAST:

A study comparing two medications which we use for treating gout and their effect on the cardiovascular system.